Arunark Kolipaka1, David A. Woodrum1,
Krzysztof R. Gorny1, Oscar I. Garcia Medina1, Anthony
J. Romano2, Richard L. Ehman1
1Radiology, Mayo Clinic,
To
date there is no noninvasive method to reliably estimate the stiffness of the
abdominal aorta. We are investigating MR elastography to estimate the
stiffness of in vivo abdominal
aorta in normals and controlled hypertensive volunteer. Our preliminary
results suggest that discernible waves are observed in the abdominal aorta,
and controlled hypertensive volunteer has shown higher stiffness measurement
when compared to normal volunteers. Therefore, MRE technique is feasible and
can be used to examine the stiffness of the abdominal aorta.